"What is generosity?"
"Generosity is giving to others without expecting something in return. When you are generous, you want to help others. You are not thinking of yourself. You give because you want others to feel good. Generosity is a way of being kind to others."
This is an excerpt from a children's book. It's a book about values I found at the library. And what a beautiful concept - one so strongly recommended in the Bible (perhaps what it means to really love your neighbor.)
And yet, I so often put generosity aside. Did that say, "...not thinking of yourself?" This is where I fall off the boat. I'd like to do "such and such" for "so and so" but it would take too much time, or mess up my schedule, or make a really late night... the list goes on and on.
When I read this book to Tyler, I know I'm getting more out of it than he is, but maybe that is good. Maybe if I can change my selfish habits, just a little, he can begin to see the meaning of generosity by watching me. I hope so.
More escerpts from another book of Tyler's:
"It's fun to make friends, and it's easy to do!
When you're friendly toward others, they're friendly to you!
The easiest way for a friendship to start,
Is to give of your time, and to give of your heart.
Having good friends will always depend,
On first being willing to just be a friend."
Friendliness, is another value I'd like to model for my children. I need a lot of work in this department, but I can't afford to put it off. Generosity and friendliness seem to go hand in hand, so while working on one, maybe the other takes care of itself.
We're also enjoying "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Tyler doesn't complain at all about putting his pj's on in the evenings. He knows what comes next. He climbs up in Daddy's lap and is instantly captivated by the life of a boy on a farm long ago. His eyes glaze over as he listens to descriptions of school days and sledding, bullies and whippings, huge barns and animals and chores, tables spread with delicious food, and men and women and children working hard.
Here again, I might be getting more out of it than he is. I'm sure we'll be reading these books a second and third time as the boys get older. It't just good to be reminded of these things again!
5 comments:
"I'd like to do "such and such" for "so and so" but it would take too much time, or mess up my schedule, or make a really late night... the list goes on and on."--------
WHEW! Isn't that the truth. I sure can relate to those thoughts! Thanks for sharing your post!
Sure are cute kids you have. Neat mom they have, too. ;)
My mom used to tell me that children are a blessing from God. At the time, I thought it was so she didn't have to do all the work. But for the past 20 years, I've been thinking this is why. We wouldn't feel nearly so urgent to develop Christ-like characteristics if we weren't responsible for little ones' views.
Hi Melinda-
I can just picture the look on Tyler's face as he is being read Farmer Boy. We read all of those books to Trenton when he was younger. He would sit there and listen forever. We tried to read them to Kadyn, but she had no attention span :) Just also wanted to let you know that we check in once in awhile.
Enjoyed your post. It's good to be reminded of these things.
I love the Little House on the Prairie books. I re-read them all about 5 years ago! We don't have to quit enjoying these books even when our kids are gone from home. :) They're a great re-read. Myrna
So very much enjoyed your post. It encourages me to continue LOVING taking care of the boys. Helps me remember what needs to be done for the little ones. davita
Post a Comment